Shab-e-Baraat: No night-long prayers as people stay home amid corona pandemic

Government had urged people to pray at home

Mudasir Yaqoob

Srinagar, April 9, 2020, 1:53 AMApril 9, 2020, 1:53 AM

UPDATED: April 9, 2020, 1:53 AM

File Photo

No night-long prayers were held on in any masjid or shrine on Shab-e-Baraat in view of the coronavirus pandemic and health advisories urging people to stay inddoors.

J&K Grand Mufti Nisar-ul-Islam had urged people not to
observe congregation prayers on Shab-e-Baraat. The holy night is
observed by Muslims during intervening night of 14 and 15 Sha’ban – the 8th
month of Islamic calendar.

Every year, the biggest
congregational is traditionally held at revered Hazratbal shrine here where
thousands of devotees assemble. However, no such congregation was held this
year.

Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Wakf Board had also announced
suspending celebrations and congregational prayers on Shab-e-Baraat in
view of threat of the coronavirus.

Secretary Wakf Board, Showkat Beigh said no celebrations or night-long prayers were held at shrines and masjids affiliated with the Board. The Board has already suspended regular prayers in shrines and mosques affiliated to it.

“It is our collective responsibility to control the virus by
following preventive measures and health advisories issued by authorities from
time to time,” Beigh said while thanking people for adhering to the Board
directions.

People offered prayers at their homes to seek mercy and
forgiveness from Almighty.

The Grand also asked the people to avoid religious
gatherings and other ceremonies including weddings and condolence meetings.

People said Shab-e-Baraat is always the opportune
time to seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah. But this time around they offered
prayers at home.

At many places, local imams individually made special dua
(supplications) after Magrib prayers for an end to the pandemic, in local
masjids, using public announcement system. Earlier, most of the Islamic
scholars had announced suspension of all congregational prayers in masjids and
shrines and urged people to offer prayers at home in view of COVID19 threat.
The decision was largely followed by people.

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